Today we’d like to introduce you to Carissa Scott.
Hi Carissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Years ago when I was working a 9-5, my close friend asked if I’d like to accompany her on wedding days to carry her bags, which turned into using her back up camera, which turned into second shooting for her. What started out as just a fun time on the weekends turned into a desire to do this myself. Traveling to beautiful places, meeting amazing people and documenting big once-in-a-lifetime moments? It’s truly the dream.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve learned in my almost 10 years in the wedding world is the road is rarely linear. Growing up is understanding there’s a season for everything.
One big thing I’ve struggled with is social media. The industry has changed so much in just the last 5 years. I want to highlight the people I’m serving – not my introverted self. Feeling like you need to be a content creator now, too – I want to be behind the camera! I understand it, but that doesn’t mean I love it. Social media is this weird, Wild West enigma. Give me a flip phone and I’d be happy!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a documentary wedding photographer with an editorial twist. I want a wedding day to be true to you and feel luxurious. Yes, luxury is Celine and The Row – but luxury is also being surrounded by your people who love you most. Luxury is dancing with your dad. Luxury is being fully present on your wedding day because you have complete and total confidence in your wedding photographer. I don’t think that side of luxury is talked about enough.
Being in this industry for almost a decade, I lead with a calm confidence. I show up for my couples like a best friend, but I work like a bodyguard. From inquiry to gallery delivery, my process is built to remove the stress and multiply the joy. My superpower is bringing a lightness to the room and a peaceful presence. Every moment from start to finish is designed to help my people feel held, not handled.
Learning this industry as a second shooter forced me to keep my head on a swivel – always noticing with others don’t. In the final galleries, there’s a million photos of grandparents, hugs between childhood best friends, and the after-dinner tablescapes that leave behind evidence of your favorite people. Every in-between, messy moment to every gorgeous Vogue-inspired portrait makes up your beautiful wedding day.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Make photographer friends! It can feel isolating working from home, but I make an effort to get out of the house 1-2 a week to have a work date with another photog friend. I always leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carissascott.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carissascottphoto
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@carissascottphoto
